Which Glerups boots suit you? The complete selection guide

Which Glerups should you choose? And do you go for a leather or rubber sole? Once you have decided that you want Glerups, there turn out to be quite a few choices after all. In this complete buying guide, we explain why you will only find the boot model at Natur-el, what the difference is between the two soles, how to choose the right size, and how to keep your Glerups looking great.

Do you want to see all the colors right away? Then go to our complete collection of Glerups boots.

Prefer to watch? Check out our Glerups buying guide on video

A long time ago, I made an extensive video in which I show the different Glerups, the soles, and the most important points to consider. It is essentially this entire buying guide, but on screen. Convenient if you prefer to watch the differences rather than just read about them.

Watch the Glerups video on YouTube

Glerups in a nutshell

Glerups are felt slippers made of 100% natural wool. The wool keeps your feet wonderfully warm, but can simultaneously wick away heat and moisture. As a result, Glerups feel comfortable without your feet feeling immediately trapped in a sweaty slipper.

The upper consists of one piece of wool felt, and the boots are available with a flexible leather sole or a sturdier natural rubber sole. They are unisex: women and men wear the same model and simply choose their own size and favorite color.

Why does Natur-el only sell the Glerups boots?

Glerups also makes low shoes and open slip-ons. However, you will quite deliberately not find these in our collection anymore. This is not because we forgot to purchase them, but because we have seen in the store that for most people, the boot is simply the most pleasant model.

The low Glerups shoes can be quite difficult to put on. With the open slip-ons, we notice that people regularly stand on the back edge while walking. That is not comfortable and, of course, does not benefit the lifespan of your slippers.

The boot encloses your foot and your ankle, stays in place while walking, and provides the most warmth of all the models. That is why we have removed the other models from our collection. Less choice perhaps, but a collection we fully stand behind.

Glerups with a leather or rubber sole: what is the difference?

If you choose a pair of Glerups at Natur-el, this is the most important decision. Both versions have the same warm wool felt upper. The difference lies mainly in the feel under your foot and the places where you can wear them.

When should you choose the leather sole?

Do you wear your Glerups exclusively indoors and do you prefer a light, flexible slipper? Then the leather sole is a wonderful choice. The leather moves easily with you and gives you the most feeling of a soft house shoe.

Keep in mind that leather absorbs moisture. If you walk on a wet terrace or a damp sidewalk, the sole will get dirty faster and may wear out sooner. While a few steps on a dry surface are never a problem, the leather version is primarily intended for indoor use.

When should you choose the rubber sole?

Do you also walk to the mailbox, take the trash out, or are you regularly in the utility room, shed, or on the terrace? Then we would choose the rubber sole. This sole is sturdier, protects better against moisture, and can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth.

A rubber sole does not, by the way, turn Glerups into hiking boots. They are nice for short distances around the house, but not intended for a walk through rain, mud, or wet grass.

Brief advice: only indoors and as flexible as possible? Choose leather. Also take a few steps outside regularly? Choose rubber.

View all Glerups boots with leather and rubber soles

What Glerups size should you choose?

The right size is important. A boot that is too small presses against your toes, while you will slide around in a pair that is too large. Keep in mind that the wool felt will conform to your foot slightly while wearing. A new pair should fit snugly, but your toes should not be pressing against anything.

How to measure your feet at home

Measuring a foot seems simple, but there is one important detail: you must be standing while measuring. As soon as your weight rests on your foot, your foot becomes slightly longer and wider. That is why it works best if someone else traces your foot.

1. Place a sheet of A4 paper on a hard, level floor. If your foot is larger than the paper, tape two sheets together.
2. Do you usually wear your Glerups with socks? Then wear the same type of socks while measuring. If you mainly want to wear them barefoot, then measure barefoot.
3. Stand with your full weight on the paper and distribute your weight normally across both feet.
4. Have someone else trace your foot with a pencil as straight as possible. Keep the pencil upright and not angled under your foot.
5. On the drawing, measure the distance from the rearmost point of your heel to the tip of your longest toe.
6. Always measure both feet. Almost everyone has one foot that is slightly larger; use the length of the largest foot for your size.

Then compare the measured length with the Glerups size chart below. The table remains a guide: the shape and width of your foot also play a role, of course. If you can come to our store on the Zwaanshals in Rotterdam, trying them on remains the very best check.

Glerups size chart for adults

The sizes are based on the official Glerups size chart and are indicative. Not every color or sole is available in every size.

What if you are between two sizes?

Do not automatically choose a larger size because you think a slipper should be nice and roomy. Glerups should fit snugly at first, and the wool felt shapes itself to your foot while wearing. Your toes should just not be pressing against the front, and you should not slide inside the boot while walking.

Are you exactly between two sizes, do you have a wide foot, a high instep, or do you want to wear thick socks? Then feel free to contact us. Tell us your measured foot length and what you normally wear; we will be happy to think along with you based on our in-store experience.

Do you wear Glerups with or without socks?

Both are possible. Wool can absorb moisture and wick it away, making it feel pleasant against the bare skin. Many people find Glerups even most comfortable without socks. If you get cold easily or like to wear woolen socks at home, that is of course also possible.

Do you already know that you will always want to wear thick socks in your Glerups? Then wear those when you measure your feet or come to try them on in the store. A thick sock can make just the difference between two sizes.

Are Glerups suitable for cold feet?

Yes, the boot model is especially nice for people who get cold feet and ankles easily. The wool felt does not just enclose your foot but also extends around your ankle. As a result, the warmth stays around your foot better than with an open slipper.

Moreover, wool works differently than a synthetic, lined slipper. The material is warm, but also breathable and moisture-regulating. This helps to keep your feet pleasant without it becoming clammy and stuffy.

Are Glerups suitable for wide or sensitive feet?

The wool felt is firm, but not hard. While wearing, the material shapes itself more and more to your foot. That makes Glerups pleasant for many people with slightly wider or sensitive feet.

Do you have specific foot complaints, need a lot of support, or do you wear orthopedic insoles? Then we cannot automatically promise that Glerups are the right choice for you. In that case, bring your insoles to the store and try them together. That way, you immediately feel whether there is enough space and support.

Are Glerups slippery?

A leather sole feels different than a rubber sole and may provide less grip on some slippery floors. Natural rubber and leather can also become slippery on wet tiles, ice, or other damp surfaces. So always be careful with that. If you are looking for as much grip and sturdiness as possible indoors, the version with a rubber sole is the most logical choice.

Can you wash Glerups?

Wool has a natural self-cleaning ability. Often, airing them out quietly is enough to keep your Glerups fresh. Therefore, do not just put them in the washing machine. Due to water, movement, and temperature differences, wool can felt, shrink, or lose its shape.

Do you have a stain? Treat only that spot carefully:

1. First remove loose dust and dirt.
2. Gently dab the stain with a slightly damp cloth and a small amount of suitable wool detergent.
3. Do not scrub hard, wring, or soak completely.
4. Let the Glerups air-dry gently.
5. Only repeat the treatment once the boot is completely dry again.

Never put wet Glerups on the heater and do not use a hairdryer or tumble dryer. Direct heat can damage or deform the wool felt and the sole.

How do you maintain the soles?

Cleaning a leather sole

You can carefully remove dust and dry dirt with a soft leather brush. It is better not to unnecessarily wet the leather sole and always let it dry naturally.

Cleaning a rubber sole

You can wipe the rubber sole with a damp cloth. Let the sole dry thoroughly before putting the boots back on.

My Glerups are shedding: is that normal?

Yes. Especially during the first few weeks, fibers or small bits of fluff may come off the wool felt. That is part of the natural processing of the wool and does not mean your Glerups are falling apart. Do not pull on long fibers, but carefully remove loose fluff by hand or trim them neatly.

Can the wool felt of Glerups wear out?

Yes. Glerups are made of natural wool, and wool too can wear out due to friction. If you wear your slippers almost every day, a thinner spot can sometimes arise within about six months. This does not have to happen that quickly for everyone: the fit, your way of walking, the surface, and how intensively you use the Glerups all make a difference.

Wear often arises in a place where there is constant friction, for example at a toe, on the side, or around the heel. It is therefore smart to take a look at your Glerups now and then. Do you see that the wool felt is getting thinner? Then it is better not to wait until a large hole appears. A developing worn spot is much easier to reinforce.

Stopping a worn spot

You can darn a thin spot or a small hole, actually just as you would with a woolen sock. With a needle and suitable thread, you reinforce the vulnerable spot so the hole cannot tear further. The result does not have to be invisible: a nice visible repair can actually show that you take good care of your belongings.

Repairing Glerups with needle felting

Because Glerups are made of wool felt, you can also repair a worn spot with loose wool and a felting needle. With needle felting, you repeatedly poke the new wool fibers through and into the existing felt, causing them to adhere to each other and making the thin spot sturdier again. Work quietly and carefully: a felting needle is very sharp.

The sooner you catch it, the easier the repair usually is. Also check out our repair accessories for woolen socks and clothing if you want to get to work yourself.

How long do Glerups last?

Unfortunately, there is no honest fixed number of years to attach to that. The lifespan depends, among other things, on how often you wear them, on what surface you walk, which sole type you choose, and whether you go outside in them.

A leather sole is more flexible but also more sensitive to moisture and intensive wear. A rubber sole is more robust if you walk a lot or regularly go outside for a moment. Whichever version you choose: well-fitting Glerups generally wear out more beautifully than a pair that is too large, in which your feet are constantly sliding.

Frequently asked questions about Glerups

Do Glerups run large or small?

The fit also depends on the length and shape of your foot. Do not automatically choose a size larger or smaller, but measure your longest foot and use the size advice provided with the product. A new pair should fit snugly; your toes should not be pressing against the front.

Do Glerups stretch out?

The wool felt shapes itself to your foot while wearing and can therefore start to feel a bit roomier. Therefore, do not buy them excessively roomy.

Are Glerups the same for women and men?

Yes, the Glerups boots are unisex. You choose the size and color that suit you.

Can I go outside in Glerups?

With the rubber sole, you can safely go outside briefly, for example to the mailbox or across a terrace. They are not intended as walking or rain shoes. We primarily recommend the leather sole for dry indoor floors.

Can I wash Glerups in the washing machine?

We advise not to just put them in the washing machine. Air them out and treat local stains carefully with a slightly damp cloth and suitable wool detergent.

What do I do if my Glerups have gotten wet?

Let them air-dry gently. Do not put them on the heater and do not put them in the dryer.

Which Glerups are the warmest?

The boot model provides the most warmth around your foot and ankle. That is exactly why we at Natur-el only sell this model.

Which Glerups suit you?

For most people, the choice ultimately comes down to this:

• Choose a leather sole if you wear your Glerups only indoors and want a slipper that is as flexible and light as possible.
• Choose a rubber sole if you want more sturdiness or regularly step outside for a moment.

Are you still not entirely sure after this guide? We understand that. A slipper can look perfect on paper, but ultimately your feet have to be in it. Feel free to call or email us, or come try them on in our store on the Zwaanshals in Rotterdam. We know the models and would rather help you choose well in advance than have you end up at home with the wrong pair.

View the complete collection of Glerups boots at Natur-el